The job search for people with disabilities need not be difficult. Certain employers indicate their willingness to hire disabled people. You just need to know how to identify them. Apart from positive employers, you can also get disability grants while you conduct the job search.

Disability Benefit payments

Disability benefit payments is compensation that can be awarded to you whether you are unemployed or not participating in a workshop or training, when you disability or mobility requires assistance and meets the conditions for payment. This type of benefit payment stays intact until your care needs change. If you return to your job because your disability and required care has changed, then you need to contact your Unemployment Benefits Office or the department in your country that works with workmen's compensation. The benefits officer will make adjustments to the benefit payment.

Incapacity Aid

If you receive payment that allows you to do certain types of work, then you are not entitled to receive additional wages or income related payment benefits such as housing subsidy or income supplement support, unless you declare this. The benefits officer will evaluate your case and decide on a decrease or increase of your benefits according to the merits of your case.

Getting new skills

If you gain additional skills, it will make your job search easier since you will become more eligible for certain types of work. The Learning Council in the UK assists people with training and guidance. People who live in other countries can contact their Department of Manpower for assistance.

Should you disclose your disability in your job application?

Although employers around the world are bound by laws not to discriminate against people with disabilities, most employers are positive towards disabled persons without consideration of the laws.

You can easily identify employers who are positive towards people with disabilities by the following :

• If they have the symbol on their advertisement or place of employment for disabled people.
• Many employers state in their job advertisements that they are equal opportunity employers.

Both types of employers indicate their commitment to the employment of people with disabilities through their display of symbols and advertisement wording. You will have an equal opportunity to get an interview and possibly the job.

Job search places for people with disabilities

When you do a job search you are more likely to find the right kind of employer by looking out for the following :

Can you submit the application form in several ways?

Does the employer ask whether workspace adjustments needs to made to accommodate you?

Did the employer advertise in several formats, for instance, used large print and radio?

Where is the advert placed? Employers who place adverts at disability centers do so because they know that people with disabilities may find the advert while they conduct their job search.

Is the application form also available on tape, video, or in large print?

Volunteer for work

While you conduct the job search, you may consider doing some volunteer work or getting job experience. Many churches and community centers welcome the assistance from people with disabilities. Apart from providing a service to the community, you also obtain experience; build new skills, and contacts that may help you get a job.

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Effective communication is essential in any job; if you are searching for a job, it becomes even more important. Language skills are very important, and can make the difference between success and failure in a job search. Because language skills are so critically important, this article includes some vital information to keep in mind regarding your language skills.

The native language that someone speaks-be it English, Spanish, French or even Swahili- is of course the main way that communication with others in their culture takes place. When looking to fill an open job, employers are always looking for someone who has the language skills to interact productively with co-workers, subordinates and superiors. This is why it is so important to speak your native language exceptionally well. Without solid language skills, a person is prejudged to be less educated than they actually are, and that spells disaster when searching for a job.

Beyond this, if you do happen to get the job, not being able to properly tell others something can lead to mistakes on the job, and in the worst cases, can lead to expensive mistakes, injuries, or even death. If someone cannot tell someone something in the case of an emergency, it can truly be a tragedy. This leads to the consideration of language skills in a second language.

Your chances of a successful job search can be greatly increased if you can speak a second language well. Especially in light of the increasing cultural diversity that so many countries are encountering given the modern world where people routinely relocate in search of better opportunities, the average person is bound to find themselves working with people who speak another language, causing a communication problem. If you are able to speak a second language well, this will be a huge plus in terms of the job search itself. As a matter of fact, those who are fluent in a second language often are able to secure well paying jobs in government, law enforcement, and more because of their ability to bridge the language barrier and simply get things done effectively and correctly. Language skills, as you can see, are not limited simply to one's native tongue.

If you do not have solid language skills, do not despair. There are a wide variety of resources available that can help someone to either sharpen skills in their own language or expand their abilities by learning to speak a second language fluently. If the second language that a person wishes to speak is in high demand in a given profession or community, many times, free training in the language can be obtained. Jobs can even be obtained upon the promise of learning a given language.

Be flexible, and take the chance- it could be the break that you are seeking! To sum it up, the more language skills you can develop, the better off you will be, whether you are looking for a new job or simply to improve your image in the eyes of others. To communicate well is to relate to others in a new way, and it will definitely be worth the effort.

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So you ready to plunge into the business of building contacts, but don't know how to start. These insider's tips for effective networking should get you started. Networking is a system used for building a contact list of people that can aid your in your job search and is easier to use than you think.

What to say

You can start conversations in a number of ways. A really simple but effective networking method is to ask assistance or indicate that you would appreciate advice. Most people love to share their knowledge and once the conversation is going, you can drop a comment about finding a suitable job.

Whenever you can, you should include the word 'network' in your conversation. By stating that you would like to network with a person, you immediately get his attention. Remember, people always want to know what they get from a situation.

Prepare a very short summary of what type of job interests you as well as a description of your skills, qualifications and experience. Don't assume that since a person has known you for years, he would know what makes you tick or what your job aspirations are. Use your CV objective and personal profile to build the summary. Two to three sentences should suffice. If more information is required the person will ask.

There are instances when you need to provide more detail for example, when you meet someone for the first time. Keep the summary short even under such circumstances. Think about the time limit when you start a conversation with a person in a bank line. You need to get the message across in less than forty seconds and preferably within twenty seconds. Prepare your short and longer version for these occasions.

Make the most of the opportunity

Wouldn't it be sad if you created interest and left no contact details? The person may want to reach you or forgot the particulars of the conversation and has nothing to remind him. For effective networking, you should always have business cards to hand out. The problem with most business cards are that they don't provide enough information and people forget why they received them in the first place. Turn your business card into a compact résumé by adding a short summary of your résumé objectives on the back of the card. Even though you may not own a business or are not employed at a certain company, you can use a personal or network card for effective networking. They remind the person of your skills and don't land in the normal CV or business card pile.

You should include your name, surname, contact details, occupation or profession, and main career interest on the front of the card for effective networking.

Sign it for effective networking

Apart from the network card, you can also use e-mail signature as part of your effective networking strategy. Few people use the signature facility of their e-mail program for more than stating their names, contact details, and position at a company. You can easily include more information such as your qualifications, experience and tell people that you are looking for a job in a specific field. End it with an action statement such as: 'Please forward information on any related jobs.' If you are currently employed, you should however not include the end statement.

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If there's one word in a resume that every prospective employee looks for and every applicant mentions, it is 'Skills'. That's proof enough to show how important it is for one to know his /her skill set and to expand it to include the ones that are required but missing.

There are different types of skills which can be broadly classified into the following categories:

• Foundation Skills:
  These skills are a must for any employee. They are classified as Basic, People, Thinking and Personal Qualities. They all fall into the following two categories.
• Marketable Skills:
  These are skills which are useful to your employer. They include
  • All the different types of skills mentioned in the foundation skill set above.
  • All the skills that the employer has specified in the advertisement for the job.
  Other than these two sets, any extra skills that you have, which are of absolutely no use to the boss are unmarketable skills. For example, singing a song backwards no matter how good you are at it!
• Transferable Skills:
  These are the skills that are useful in more than one kind of job. The more you develop these, the more are your chances in the job market. An employer might be attracted to your profile even if he has no immediate use for your extra skills, if he foresees any use for them in the future. The most common skill in this category is computer literacy. Armed with this, one can be a typist, a helper in a store, a document writer and a variety of other things.
• Motivated Skills:
  There is a saying that goes like this 'Find a job you love and you will never have to work a single day'. This is what motivated skills are all about. Things that you want to do, not things you have to do.

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Many people perceive networking as a new trend even though it has always been used. Every person has a network of friends, colleagues, teachers, managers, career consultants, business contacts, and more. We don't always think of it as networking although referrals stem from networking. The people that know how to network gain the most benefits in the long run. Apart from building solid relationships, it also enhances career possibilities, business expansion, and general goodwill. Even when you attempt to build a career, you will notice how knowing the right people can be a benefit.

There are a few things that people assign to networking that are not true. Many persons regard networking as a work method when it is actually an integral part of our lives.

If you want to know how to network, you should start with who you already know. Make a list of people that you know and people you once knew. Include neighbors, school friends, colleagues, business owners, teachers, lecturers, and people in your support group, the parents of your children's friends, suppliers, clients, and service providers. The list will get longer as you start to remember. Use your old address book, emails, correspondence, business cards, and greeting cards.

Function of the reference list

Update the list at least once a week. Note birthday dates, addresses, interests, business types, positions held, expertise, level of acquaintance, and names. You will use the list to bring people in contact with each other and you may sometimes have to make use of one of the contacts for something you need. It is however not always about what you can get from the contacts, but how you can assist people.

Expecting something in return

If you do something for another person, don't expect that he must return the favor. Refer people in goodwill and you will eventually reap the benefits. If you however need assistance, a product or a service, you must ask help. Others cannot be expected to know what you need if you don't ask for assistance. If you need assistance then ask in such a manner that it is possible for the person to say no without being embarrassed but also makes it a pleasure to say yes. This is what people who know how to network do.

Treat people as valuable and not merely as tools

Networking isn't a term for using people, but rather for assisting people. Persons, who know how to network, do it in a manner that enhances their relationships and brings advantages to all parties. Make two lists. The first list is for those you have done something and the second list is for those who did something for you. Most people want to return a favor and will gladly assist you when you call in the marker in a polite manner. Start returning favors, lunch, tickets, advice, or assistance, and referrals for those who already did something for you. Networking is about sharing and returning favors.

What do you have to offer?

We all have some knowledge, skills, and resources that we can share with others. Make lists of the things that you can do for others. You may for instance be an excellent hostess and can host an event for a friend or colleague, or can do sign writing, build a website, take pictures, have an extra couch available, or can proofread a document. The list can become endless.

The do's of 'how to network'

• Give recognition for assistance, gifts and referrals.
• Keep in contact with the people on your lists.
• Share your resources, skills, knowledge and ideas.
• Be someone who is involved.
• Deliver on your promises.
• Sometimes just surprise someone with a gift, note or even lunch.
• Recommend people and be sincere in your compliments.
• Keep your contacts updated on new events.
• Always follow up on conversations and referrals.
  

How to network - never:

• see networking as sales
• judge people too quickly
• name drop without the knowledge and permission of a contact
• force a relationship on others
• force your opinion on others when they didn't ask for it
• accept recognition for the work and ideas of other people
• just take without giving something in return
• blame others for your mistakes
• ask personal questions
• make a nuisance of yourself
• pressure people
• stand too close to people
• forget to admit when you are wrong
• tell lies or exaggerate
• discriminate on any basis
• fear to risk

These guidelines on how to network should help you in building a large network of reliable contacts.

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They say 'Face is the index of the mind.' Likewise, 'Corporate culture is the index of a company'. Every organization has a strong culture associated with itself in terms of protocols of dressing, demeanor in office, work timings, compensation and benefits, vision, core values and many more such parameters.

Level 1: What is Corporate Culture?

It is important for employees to be aware of the corporate culture of their organization as otherwise it could hamper the growth prospects of the employee within the organization. Consider the example of an employee coming late to office. Some organizations do not permit this and the conduct of the employee may be viewed seriously and it may even affect the employee's overall performance rating.

One might ask whether it is equally critical for prospective jobseekers to know the corporate culture of a potential employer. The answer is a big YES! This could give immense mileage to the possibility of selection. To cite the same example, if a candidate arrives late to an interview oblivious of the fact that the prospective employer is very particular about timeliness, the candidate may not even be considered

Therefore, it is very important to be aware of the corporate culture of the company that you are associated with or are looking forward to get associated with.

Level 2: Understanding Corporate Culture

Following are some ways to go about understanding the corporate culture of an organization:

• Read the career section/ corporate culture section of the organizations' website.
• Read the corporate culture section in annual reports.
• Visit the organization and watch the way the employees interact with each other.
• Visit the organization and feel how the company interacts with visitors.

All the above methods will allow you to get a glimpse of some of the organizations' core values, such as behavior, customer service, timeliness of help and many factors, which are vital to the organizations' culture. The more aware one is about the corporate culture of a particular organization, the more is the possibility to strike the right chord with that organization, be it a job, a sales deal or a partnership.

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Minding your P's and Q's is important anywhere. If you are part of an online discussion group take some time to absorb and understand the way people conduct themselves within the group so that you do not commit a cyber faux pas.

Once you have identified a few people you would like to contact, correspond with them via email in the correct manner.

Do not post a general message to everyone in the group. Send a personal message to the person you would like to speak with.

Do not be long winded. Tell them as concisely as possible why you have contacted them.

At this initial phase it would be extremely opportunistic to send a copy of your resume. You are simply gaining information and introducing yourself at this point. Besides, the very art of networking involves a long term connection, which must be nurtured. It is not just a one time exchange. Allow yourself and your contact time to get to know each other before giving them your resume.

Request your contact for a follow up and give them a choice about how they would like to be contacted, via phone, mail or a personal meeting.

Contacting people via email is perhaps best for contacts you find online, but is not necessarily effective for people you meet in person. A phone call or letter to request an interview is perhaps the best way to catch their attention.

Contacting people over the phone

• When calling remember to cover this vital information
  • Your introduction
  • Your purpose
  • Request an appointment at a time suitable for both of you
  • Mention the name of the person who referred you, in case there is someone.
• Prepare yourself for the conversation by jotting down what you will say. This will help you stay calm and clear on the phone.
• Trying to get through to the person may be difficult as receptionists or secretaries may not put you through. Polite persistence can pay off and so can calling at a time when you the receptionist may not have arrived as yet or have left for the day.
• Try and request a personal meeting and find a suitable time for both of you.

Contacting people by letter

• Check the format, spelling and grammar of your letter.
• Mention clearly in your letter, in the conclusion, that you will call on a given date to arrange for a suitable time for a meeting.

The Power of Networking

• You never know how the person you met at a coffee shop yesterday could help you tomorrow? The power of and advantages of networking is remarkable. Your list of contacts could include anyone from your neighbors to your classmates to your boss's cousin you met at the Christmas party! Continue to add to your networking list and you will be amazed by the opportunities it presents you with.

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Some firms hire a third-party organization to identify a college student whom they can employ. The third-party organization may be recruiting on-campus, advertising the company's requirement at a career festival, screen resumes received by e-mail or on the net, etc. Many colleges have a recruitment center of their own, which works with these job employment agencies and the students. It would be wise for the students to be familiar with the issues related to the functioning of these job employment agencies.

Third-party recruiters are defined as 'agencies, organizations or individuals recruiting candidates for temporary, part-time or full-time employment opportunities other than for their own needs' by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Third-party recruiters can be classified as follows:

• Employment agencies: These have a database of prospective employers as well as employees. They charge when a match is made. If you don't find the words 'fee paid' anywhere in the contract, make sure you know who's going to be charged before you sign the agreement.
• Search Firms: Search firms are those that are paid by an employer to find a candidate to match his specifications.
• Contract Recruiters: Employers hire them, on a contract basis, to represent them in the recruiting process.
• Resume Referral Firms: As the name suggests, these firms share their database of resumes with employers. When you send in your resume to be included in this database, make it clear to whom it can be sent and the purpose for which it can be used. A fee may be charged to the employer, the applicant, or both.

Questions to Ask

Being assisted by a third-party recruiter does not mean you can wash your hands off all responsibility. Be aware of what is happening and why things are happening the way they are. After all, it's your job that's at stake. Ask questions about everything that perplexes you, no matter how silly they may sound. Do not be coaxed into signing anything that you haven't understood. Consult a lawyer if necessary.

Listed below are some of the questions that you should know the answers to:

• Is there any kind of discrimination between applicants? If you match the specifications, is there any chance of not being selected solely on the grounds of nationality, race, color etc.?
• Whom is the agent going to charge? Before sealing an agreement, find out whether you have to pay the agent any fee.
• In my field of interest, how many vacancies are still to be filled? As far as possible, keep tracks of the numbers of vacancies available. From this information, try and figure out whether your resume is actually being considered for the job or is it merely being stored in a database whose volume the recruitment agency is trying to increase. This happens quite often, as the size of their database is a strong magnet to attract clients to use their assistance.
• Whom will you pass on this information to? Make it very clear to the recruiting agent that the information you give him is to be shared only with the firms that you want him to share it with. He shall not pass on any of your information to anyone outside of your list of choices, which you have to state in writing.

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How do you go for interviews and conduct a job search while you are pregnant? This is one of the most common concerns for women who just started their careers and find they have a new sibling on the way. Although we can plan pregnancy to fit in with our career goals, the sorry truth is that there is probably never a good time.

Wear loose clothing

One way of hiding pregnancy when you do a job search is to wear loose clothing and do to the job hunting early rather than waiting until you are showing. It may not always be possible though and when this happens it is time to highlight your excellent skills and how you can complete projects quicker than anyone else without compromising quality.

Disclose or not disclose?

You don’t have to declare that you are pregnant when you conduct your job search since the law prohibits any questions to the effect and is suppose to protect you against discrimination. Unfortunately you also have to consider how the interviewer sees it.

Will you hire a person who is going to take maternity leave in a couple of months when there is another applicant with no strings? You will rather hire the candidate who is not pregnant. For this reason it is better not to disclose your pregnancy right from the start. First get a job offer and negotiate terms. When you have accepted the offer, try to tell your boss as soon as possible.

This may sound rather unethical but will help you not to be discriminated against. If you are already showing, it will not work. If however, this approach seems like something you just cannot do when do a job search while pregnant, you should just focus on your positive attributes and also commitment to the company.

How to handle the interview when you disclose your pregnancy

You can for instance state that you are the ideal candidate since you have a baby on the way and thus will have expenses to cover. For this reason alone, you will already be more reliable and committed to giving your best as you do not plan to lose your job while having a sibling at home. You also need to reassure the employer that you have an adequate support network and that having a baby in the house will not affect your work performance.

That being said, your best option is to do a job search before you get pregnant or wait until the bay has been born. If you do need the income right away, try finding work where you can stay at home. Writing, design or internet based work is off course ideal. Although many ladies are not interested in this, you should consider this type of remote work if you are already showing and in need of a job.

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Job searching is a job by itself. This endeavor will not bear the right fruit until you take it seriously. You have to be both consistent as well as perseverant at this task; you will need to apply yourself fully and treat this endeavor as a mission.

Of course, for every great task, there should be a master plan that would guide you and keep you focused on the goal. Without a good plan, the best of efforts would collapse since they would lose sight of the target after while. Do you have a plan drawn up for your job search or are you at it with sporadic efforts?

Your success (or lack of it) would be very much dependent on how organized a manner you apply yourself to this task. Below are a few points that would help you stay focused and have all your energy directed to this one goal, i.e. your job search.

• Start at the beginning – do you have the right type of CV? Does it reflect your strengths? Since your CV would often need slight tweaking in order to reflect your strengths in the light of the job requirement, it is better that you do not mass print these. Rather, you should have your achievements and qualification listed in bullet points and when you apply for a job each CV should be written specially for that organization (with emphasis on the job you are applying for). In case you are not sure whether you are doing the right thing or not – do not take the trial-and-error method. Rather, consider using a professional CV writing agency, which can help drawing up professional stop-in-tracks CVs. Remember, if your basic tool is wrong, then your chance to land your favored job will remain a pipe dream forever.

• Have things organized – keep all the relevant material and information in one place, well organized. Make copies of every cover letter and CV you send, so you could be able to refer to what you wrote if you are called for an interview.

  You should not be running in confusion here and there when you need paper to print your CV, or an envelope or the dairy where you will need to enter the details of your day to day tasks regarding the job search.

  It would be good if you have a corner that you consecrate to work and have placed there a desk, with a computer, printer, experience certificates' files, and all information required for writing a CV. In this way, you will feel more relaxed and focused when you write that cover letter or the tailor-made CV – than, stopping every time to get hold of some relevant information or other from elsewhere.

• Follow-up – This aspect cannot be stressed enough. You have to keep at it, all the time. You sent your CV, make a note of it in your dairy and then after 5 days without any response, follow it up either with a phone call or an email enquiry. Be brief, but make sure you find out (a) whether they are considering your application; (b) when to revert for more news; (c) what is the method on informing their call for interview or rejection?

  If you are proficient with the computer an excel spreadsheet would serve this purpose extremely well. Otherwise, you could also use a plain regular dairy or the electronic digital dairies which have an alarm (which can remind you to call) system for 'to do' tasks.

• Set a target for yourself – Make a list of the best organization you want to work in – whether these are in your state or country and then organize yourself to apply for the vacancies coming up accordingly. Keep a master list with the following headings:
  

• 1. your most favorite companies (your dream companies) - max three
  2. companies that you would be willing to join intermediary vehicle for your final destination (your dream company) – about 4-5
  3. companies that would interest you, given the right breaks (right opening/ job) – about 4-5
  4. companies that would sustain you economically, but do not contribute to your career goal - about 4-5
  
  
• You will then have to identify at least 3-5 under each heading and apply. Once the results are out, you carry on, make a new list and start the process all over again. Only the top most heading will have constant entries; all the others would keep changing as per the results.
• You understand from this task that you should be constantly seeking suitable openings and classifying these according to your priority.
  

• Network heavily – today, the majority of jobs are absorbed through the hidden market. Hence, you will need to have your 'fame' spread far and wide if you want to land the right jobs. You should never leave out any occasion to network and/or promote yourself.

  This should be done subtly, though, so the person with whom you are building a rapport should remain interested in you and your career direction. Be the first to offer help/assistance in your field to anyone in your network. Grateful people can be more than helpful when time comes.

  Other ways to network is by attending workshops, seminars and improvement classes where you are likely to meet a good number of your peers. Networking is a constant and continuous task – remember to stay in touch and on the top of the person's mind without seeming like pest. You could send good wishes on various festive occasions or just plain 'Hi! How are you! I was thinking of you.' type of emails that are short and sweet and give you the opportunity to add a line or two on your latest achievements.

• Believe in yourself – Look up in the annals of history and you will see that those people succeeded who believed in themselves even in the face of the worst personal or professional losses. The best example is President Abraham Lincoln. Another example is Thomas Edison, the Wright brothers – and the list goes on. Rejection is just a matter of opinion. Do not let it stop you; do not let it waver your belief in yourself. You are special and you have a niche out there that is specially made for you. No one can take that – the point is to be perseverant enough to find it.

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Being proactive can bring you a good deal of success in life. This principle works exceptionally well in the field of job seeking, particularly with regard to gaining access to the hidden market.

The most effective techniques involve ways and means of keeping yourself fresh in the minds of as many people as possible in your profession. How can you achieve that? You will find the following tips highly effective:

1. Research the market and adapt – know at all times what professions and jobs are in demand in the market. You also need to know what level of importance your profession occupies. In case the market is low for your type of job/profession, it would be good to seek and acquire allied training/ expertise. People who can multi-task with ease are highly sought after everywhere.
2. Check out companies’ websites – often knowing how is the key to finding/achieving your goal in the shortest possible span of time. You are aware that above 75 percent of the jobs are never advertised and you wish to be privy to that intelligence. The best place to start is the company’s own website. In more than 90 percent of cases, the vacancies in any company are immediately posted on their website. Starting here would give you a great edge in searching and possible getting a job in the hidden market.
3. Cold calls – there is a lot of power in cold calls even today. The emails have made it possible to reach anybody at anytime. You need to keep people aware that you are ready for a career move, you draw-up a crisp self-marketing letter (mailer) not longer that three paragraphs and send it to the recruiting managers of the companies you seek to join. Be careful to differentiate between the HRD Head and the recruiting manager – many times these are two different people.
4. Network at grassroots level - most of the time people aim to catch the attention of the highest echelons. However, often you will get the push in the right direction from those who mind the files and office work. For example, a job has come up and the receptionist/ secretary are among the first persons in the office who comes to know about it since they usually type and circulate the memos. At this time, a slight mention of your name could be just the right break for you. Therefore, it is good to network with those who mind the office of the highest echelon officials. Treat them well, keep them on your list for Christmas and Season greetings and you will reap rich rewards.
5. Become an expert – while this might not be applicable in all conditions and jobs, it is an excellent stepping stone into the limelight of the hidden job market. Organizations always need people who excel in their profession, and hence if you get a reputation of being an expert in your field, offers will seek you out wherever you are. In order to become an expert, you should always endeavor to stay one step ahead of what is the demand in the market, i.e. you should never rest on your laurels. Go ahead and train yourself extensively, take up professionals’ courses, up-dating courses, and tangent courses. Be always totally in charge in your profession. Build up a brand of being an expert.

The above tips can be further complement by your ability to stay in the news. In order to do this, you should be able to attend conferences, training programs, write articles, publish and stay on the top of things, generally speaking. This is a continuous and ongoing process which will end only when you wish to retire or fade into an ordinary professional existence.

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You might have heard about the hidden market, where more than 80 percent of the jobs are filled through recommendations. These references are from people who ‘know’ the incumbents through different channels.

How to find the hidden market?

Everybody who works/ worked in a company/organization is aware that when a position falls vacant the job is first discussed internally to see who 'could do fit in the position'. Things start moving from here and people tend to send recommendations regarding people who might be ‘just right’ for the job internally and externally. This is depending on your network; you might get the hint to apply for so-and-so job, since it has fallen vacant. Your candidature would again be seen in context with the reference you receive, i.e. Does the person (who recommended you) know you well professionally?, Did he/ she work with you before?, Did he/she appraise your work capacity?

From the above, you will notice that the most important thing is to be sufficiently networked so your name would be the choice of recommendation for as many vacancies as possible. Hence, in order to be part of the hidden market, you ought to be on that deserving candidate list.

How to gain entry on the recommendation list?

Logically speaking, you are a commodity in the market of jobs. Your employability will depend on:

1. Advertisement - how well you ‘advertise’ yourself in the market will be critical to your figuring on that list. People should know about you, about your whereabouts, about your latest achievements and expertise. You would need to have the information circulated as often as possible, so those who know you should immediately think of you when the opportunity shows itself in the form of a job.
2. Brand - the strength of your professional branding is yet another critical aspect towards this goal. You need to be known in your circles as THE professional in your field. Hence, you brand image should be strong and clear. People who hear your name should simultaneously think of your professional prowess.
3. Professional repute - your reputation with your past employers and colleagues is very important. People from the same profession tend to exchange notes all the time. Therefore, if you were known as a rebel or as an undependable person, be sure that the word would be out. You need to have and maintain an impeccable professional reputation if you are to gain entry on the ‘recommendations’ list.
4. Networking – networking is the greatest and most efficient tool you can have at your disposal to use as entry into the hidden market. There is nothing more powerful than having an excellent network. You should cultivate a peer group network as well as one with senior and juniors. Your availability, your professional strengths and your choices of work should be well aired on these networks. Whenever a vacancy will fall free, any of these people would be able to recommend your name.
5. Grape vine – you are aware how powerful this informal system can be in carrying and propagating information. You should make it a point to use this system to your advantage. Always feed the grape vine with positive feedback. At the same time, ensure that it is known that you are looking for a career move if the right opportunity presents itself. You will be surprised how efficient the grape vine can be when used well. Remember, you could cultivate the grape vine in more organizations other than your own, with the help of your network. Here, the motto, 'Any publicity is great publicity' seems to work well.

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What is computer literacy by definition? 'Computer literacy' generally bears indication to the ability of a person to use computer applications. These people are also called 'power users'. Those who know to program these machines are known as programmers.

Computers are today part and parcel of our lives and just as being literate is being taken for granted so is computer literacy taken for granted. A professional is expected to know to use computers and their application in his/ her field of operation, even if it is at the most basic level possible. Besides the fact that every job today entails some or other requirement of computer knowledge, finding a job itself is highly dependent upon the level of one's computer literacy.

Let us see how computer literacy can help you in your job search:

• Education: There is a see of wealth on the Internet on how things can be done best when applying for a job. There is advice on how to conduct yourself at interviews, how to dress, how to answer questions and also what question to put to your interviewers. The advice extends itself on how to handle trick questions and how to take care of many things that are crucial to bagging a job.
• Wide coverage: There is a tremendous coverage that one can get through the Internet. A computer literate person can use the Net for his/her advantage and apply to a global market electronically rather than regional on pen and paper regionally. There are a wide range of online job search engines which will match your CV to the best suitable job available. In this way you not only can get a vast number of jobs to choose from, you also are able to reach out to far off regions in your country and even other countries. There is no other way to cover so much geographical area other than with the help of the computers.
• Immense opportunity: When you are looking for a job you are not having instantly the exact company and exact type of job that you really want - unless you are a doctor or engineer (and even there you can still have a lot leverage in choosing). For all others the Internet will offer you a great wide array of choices that you can never find otherwise in the physical world. The opportunities out there are mind boggling - but without the computer and the knowledge of harnessing its capacity, you can never discover them; with a computer, your opportunities are just a click away. All you have to do is key in your job requirements and the search engine will give you a sea of jobs to choose from.
• Time saver: Today with the help of computers your one uploaded CV can simultaneously reach thousands of companies in one instant. This simple and amazing thing can actually bring to your doorstep a great number of offers within an extremely limited time. Time which you could actually use to get the job and start earning rather than continuing to apply to different companies intermittently. The saving of time has another great side effect - i.e. it helps a job seeker enjoy a much higher level of confidence because he/she will be constantly assailed with job offers; people who apply through post or answering advertisements are much more slower in receiving offers than while using the Internet.
• Tailor made CV and applications: Knowing computers will help you apply to a thousand companies on an individual manner with a tailor made cover letter specifically written with that company's needs in mind. In this way you raise your odds for being chosen as the right candidate by more than 50 per cent. Actually mass printouts of CVs for applications are one of the main reasons for receiving rejection. A company likes to see that the candidate that wants to fill a vacancy with them takes the trouble to know what they need and how their skills and knowledge match the company's requirements. The HR personnel has most of the times only about 10 seconds to decide which CVs are good and which are not for the first shortlist; and only those CVs which can at a glance focus on the best match, will stand a good chance.
• Training opportunities: Computer literacy best plus point is that it gives you access to a world of training programs and material which will indeed help you in bettering yourself for any job whatsoever. The training and self-study material available on the internet is limitless. There is no topic that does not have some indepth answer on the Internet and for the person who know how and where to look, one can build up sufficient knowledge base to outperform the best available hands in the market.
• Online degrees: Though this is not directly connected to searching of a job, an additional degree will definitely improve anyone's chances to land their dream jobs. Today the Internet brings within the reach of the common man the greatest universities of national and international repute; this is called distance education through the Net. You do not need to leave your present work place, or residential area, or even go for applying for admission. All you have to do is open the Internet and register online for any degree you need or want to pursue for a satisfying career.

Computer usage is at its best when you put the Internet to work for you. And harnessing the strength of the Internet is possible only when you master the medium that houses it, i.e. computers. Hence, you need to be a computer literate to be able to use apply your best foot forward when searching for a job. For those who are still green about computers - do not worry. Computer courses are the most popular crash courses across the globe today. Just check your neighborhood out for a class and sign in TODAY. Be a winner TOMORROW.

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Seeking a job is always a nerve-wracking experience and it has been observed that it accentuates in direct proportion with age. The middle-age person finds the market flooded with young college graduates who land jobs faster than them. This happens due to a number of factors such as:

Salary:
Freshers (young college graduates) will be willing to start on a lower salary than a 40-year old experienced candidate.

Relationship:
Many organizations have young managers who feel better working with a go-getter young team rather than middle-aged persons (who might also have their pre-conceived ideas about jobs and how it needs to be done)

Work capacity:
Freshers being young, unmarried and eager to gather experience, are willing to work longer hours. They are also eager to try new things and open to new methods of work.

Relevance of qualifications:
The present-day technology has brought tremendous amount of changes in the ways things are done today. The younger generation is well tuned in with the technology development. The qualification of the 40 plus generation many times feels (and is) a bit outdated and not relevant to the needs of the today's industry.

Attitude:
The basic traits of a person who reached their forties is stability of mind and attitude. While this trait is great under normal circumstances, in a job is actually a negative trait. Recruiters look for people who have an open attitude to learning and experiencing new things, while the forty-plus person seeks stability and well-proved methods of work. There is a definite attitude mismatch between the 20 plus and 40 plus candidates.

Though the above factors are serious deterrents, a little preparation can indeed the negative to a positive trend. The forty-plus professionals should be ready to negotiate well and work shoulder-to-shoulder with the younger generation. In order to improve the odds to land a job, the forty plus professionals should follow a few ground principles:

• Updated CV - Your CV should be in tune to the today's market. Mention briefly the jobs you have had in the past 10-15 years, elaborating only those areas where these are relevant to the present job. Your CV should ideally not exceed two pages and it must include the salary you expect so the recruiter will have a base for negotiations.
• Undergo skill-based training(s): Today every job requires the application of technology in some measure. You must be in tune with the present-day technology and its application to your job. A crash course or short skill-based training would put you in tune with the current scenario and highly improve your employability.
• Research well: The job requirements of ten years ago and of today are totally different. Be sure you know what the job entitles today; even if you have a rich 10-12 years experience, unless you are aware of what it involves today, you may loose out to the candidate who is half your age, but who knows the right ropes.
• Identify companies who need experienced personnel: The adage, ''There is a market for everything'' is totally true and applicable to people as well. There are companies out there who seek to employ only experienced people - seek these work places out through placement agencies, Internet research and classifieds.
• Network: Here is one place where the age is on your side. People who are forty-plus have a wealth of networks at senior positions; there is a high possibility that any of those senior positions may be vacant and if you are in constant touch, you will be given an offer to join.
• Consultancy: Many 40 plus persons have some 10-15 years of experience and that can you a veritable expert in your field. Be open to offer consultancy to companies and individuals in your field of expertise. Since the technology is in continuously up-gradation mode, many companies seek out in-house trainers which can be cost-efficient as well as have good coverage. In this scenario your age and experience can be extremely complementary. However, in order to be successful as a trainer, you need to love teaching.
• Cover a larger base: Approach the job search as a project with strengths, weaknesses, opportunity and threats (SWOT) and assign specific targets (getting ONE job). In order to reach your target you need to identify your target base. Once identified, ensure you cover sufficient number of companies/ organization so you can have a choice of offers. Do not limit yourself to one or two. Seek out a minimum dozen companies and actively follow it up.
• Be flexible and ready to negotiate terms: Being senior and experienced you obviously expect a high salary which many times some companies would not be very happy to pay. Be open to negotiate permutations of work and salary so both end up with a win-win situation. For example you could work for 15 days a month, or a few days a week or on assignment basis for a lower salary (and less mandays) allowing the company to use your expertise at their budget while you work part time (and hence still command your market value). Also, many companies offer a number of perks which when translated into cash amount to a tidy sum. Make sure you understand all that is offered as cost-to-company total before deciding whether the remuneration is okay or not.
• Consider a total change of profession: Many people who have worked for a long time in corporate sector do well in teaching in MBA colleges or similar higher education institutions. Some would do well in research - while at the same pursuing PhD degrees, while yet others find their calling in the social field. The middle age may be a good time to consider a total change. Many people feel totally charged and motivated with a new line, and a high percentage of people find great success exactly due to this aspect.
• Internet based employment: The Internet has ushered in a great host of jobs that can be done right from the comfort of your bedroom - with the help of a laptop/ comp. In case you are comfortable with a computer, you can easily take up any of the millions of freelance job available on the net and build your income from there. A medium level professional can very easily make a comfortable income from the Internet. Check out the freelance market.
• Entrepreneurship: Having 15 years experience can be great in starting your own venture. Many banks offer loans based on the feasibility of business plan and the qualifications of the professional applying. Entrepreneurship can be the right answer for many people not only in generating employment for self but also for a few others. Entrepreneurship is actually the acid test of your experience - however, success here will be highly dependent upon your aptitude.

''Life begins at forty'' - can be quite true and finding yourself without a job can be the right vehicle for you to start on a new and totally satisfying life.

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The motivation for the 50 plus person seeking a job may be different today from what it was some 10-20 years ago; as are many other statistics. If you are 50 and are in the market for a job, you are part of an elite and fast expanding market for senior positions. 'Elite' because most senior people are highly experienced and valued workers and 'expanding' because the market is waking up to recognize the wealth and wisdom of employing seniors. There are a few marketing techniques however to help you land the job you would savor and which would give you the returns that you deserve. As with everything else the technique(s) need to be mastered in order to get the best results.

• Identify your exact reason for work: The most important aspect while seeking a job is to have your priorities worked out. Are you keeping a job for pleasure? For filling up your free time? For supplementing your income? For fulfillment? Or for paying back to the society?
  

Pleasure – when you seek a job for pleasure you will need to focus on what gives you pleasure and narrow your searching area to those industries or occupation(s) which fall into that purview.

Keep busy – here you can take up anything at all, as long as you are capable to do it; and at 50 there will be very few jobs that would really be tough for you to do – giving you a wide searching area.

• Income – this is the toughest avenue because when you look for pay, you will have to match your skills to the available vacancies and compete for the position with younger candidates.

  Fulfilment – here you can do a lot of things for your own satisfaction in a honorary position or for a token remuneration; you will find plenty of organizations who would like to use your expertise and experience in exchange of a honorary title and token payment.

  Social service – this is volunteer work and it is seen in the recent past that more and more people want to give back to the society by doing something worthwhile for the downtrodden and less privileged. There is tremendous satisfaction of work here, tough it is a bit less rewarding money wise.

  Identify your market: Depending on what you want to do you need to identify your market/ organizations/ industries so you can narrow down to the places where you can offer your candidature.

  Create an impressive CV: The gate pass to any job is your CV. When you are at 50 your CV will have to be dynamite or you will be rejected outright in favor of the younger candidates. Hence, you will need to draw the attention of the prospective employers away from your age and focus it to the quality package your long experience offers the company. Your CV should broadcast your expertise in the job at hand and your capability to deliver in terms of quality. Highlight clearly your achievements in the past so it is obvious from your CV itself how much the company gains from hiring a senior and experienced person like you.

  Network heavily: There is nothing more powerful than a good networking when you seek a job in your fifties. Your network not only would know your capabilities and expertise but also would know exactly where you could best fit next. Over the years this network, if groomed properly, would actually be your best reference point as well as source for your next job opening. All you have to do is to announce subtly that you are looking for an opening in whatever field you prefer. Offers will come to you within no time.

• Be up-to-date with the present technology: Before you join the ranks of job seekers make it a point to be technology savvy. In today's world computer usage is part and parcel of a vast variety of occupations. Be sure you are comfortable with computers, emails, blue tooth, infrared, internet and other such features that today have become a part of our lives. If your job entails it, go through a crash course which will bring totally up-to-date in your field before drafting out your CV. Training courses are a great value addition to your experience because these show you as a person who keeps in tune with the changing times.

• Compete fiercely: Your candidature will be compared to that of people half your age. In order to ensure that you come across as the best choice you will have to top all the qualities a younger person has to offer, i.e. enthusiasm, eagerness to work, stamina and humility. In other words, you will need to showcase your capability to outshine a fresher by highlighting the worthiness of your 20-25 years experience in the field. Hence, your CV should be clear and concise in matching the fit of the job requirement not only to your qualifications but also to your long standing experience and the knowledge you gained in the process.
  

• Be presentable: A lot is gained or lost with first impressions. When you are seeking a job –your looks is one of the most important criteria. People tend to think that a 50 plus person is old, haggard and needs constant attention. However, nothing can be further from truth. Today people in their 70s also are healthy and full of vitality. When you are applying for a job, appearing for interview or even enquiring around, make sure that you leave the right impression behind. Be full of life, well groomed, and project a healthy and full of stamina image. It is a fact that the 45-60 years of age is the golden age of man today because he is wise, moderate in taking risks, and highly experienced. Let this fact shine through your behavior and looks. An employer would be highly inclined to offer you a job if you look active, and healthy than if you look pale and weak. Remember the employer is out to get an asset for the company not a liability.
  

• Enlist the help of a good placement agency: I said 'good' here because it takes special skills to 'sell' senior job seekers. Hence, you will need to seek out placement agencies who specialize in senior placement and check out which is the best. Keep in mind that job seeking is tough – whether you are in your 20s or 50s it still gives butterflies in the stomach. However, it is more heartbreaking for an older person than it is for a younger one – so be prepared for an emotional roller-coaster anyway but seek out the best placement agency available.
  

• Become an entrepreneur: With your expertise and experience, many times the best solution is to go into business for yourself. Being a professional, bank loans would be available for you and you can very easily start a good business which in 10 years time would not only give satisfaction but also high economic results.
  

• Become a consultant/ trainer: There is no lack of companies which need experts to conduct in-house training programs. A similar market is coming up in MBA colleges where they invite corporate veterans to take classes and teach the difference between theory and practice. It gives great satisfaction to teach and share your experience and expertise with others and many seniors find this occupation extremely rewarding both financially as well as professionally.

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Making a career change is usually not very easy for anyone of any age; however, it can be exceptionally tricky for people over 40, especially if they have been out of the job market for a number of years. With a few helpful tips, however, someone over 40 can make some exciting things happen in their job search. Below are some of the best uses of your time if you find yourself in this category:

NETWORKING- If someone has been in the working world for a decent period of time, and most people over 40 have been, they may have made contacts with people in their industry through professional organizations, business dealings with other companies, chambers of commerce, etc. These connections should be used to your best advantage- this is not to say that you should just start calling people asking them for jobs, but rather make some casual contacts with the people that you know to find out if anything is available. Casually mention that you are seeking a position, and it is likely that one of your contacts will either give you some valuable information or point you in the direction of job openings outright.

SUPPORT GROUPS- We're not talking about some type of group therapy session for discouraged job seekers, but what we are talking about are meetings that are held in many community centers, churches, and local job centers that can offer valuable help in a successful job search. These meetings typically include tips on how to dress for job interviews, the types of questions you can expect to be asked, and even job openings, as many employers who are seeking experienced employees contact these groups directly as a recruiting tool. Best of all, these meetings are usually free of charge and located in your community; just keep you eye on the local newspaper, community bulletin board, or your church newsletter.


• STATE JOB CENTERS- Most every state has a job center as part of the services that are offered to the public, free of charge. These localized offices can also help with resume preparation and provide leads on job openings, as many employers take advantage of the benefit of free job posting, which is also offered as a service to the employers of the state. Many times as well, the state job centers offer free Internet access, so that you can surf the Internet for job postings and submit your resume electronically, saving you time and money.

GO ONLINE - Related to the state job centers idea, the Internet is now the prime marketplace for employers and employees. This also gives you the advantage of having a potential employer evaluate your experience before they can prejudge you on your age. Although age discrimination is illegal, the fact of the matter is that it happens anyway, so you owe it to yourself to have every advantage at your disposal.
In closing, just remember to keep with it and keep your chin up; eventually, your determination, and your experience, will land you the job you want. Your age will be nothing but a number!

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Your job application can make or break your job. A very crucial aspect of job-seeking is meticulously 'tackle' your job application.

A job application is more or less similar to your resume except for a few questions here and there. Apart from it being a convenient technique, most companies ask the candidates to fill the job application to maintain uniformity in selection.

Here are a few things to keep in mind while 'tackling' your job application

Precise Answers: Most job applications follow a similar pattern, however it is advisable to read all the details asked properly and answer accordingly. Try to give out the optimum details. It is alright to give a little extra information, but certainly not worth leaving out on specific details asked for.

Presentation: First impression is the last impression. Ink blots, cancellations et al can get you negative markings. It is also not a very positive sign to leave columns blank unless not applicable. Make sure you fill in every detail and maintain neatness throughout the application. This would also give an impression of you as a no-nonsense person.

Straightforward: Kite flying in your job application is a strict 'No-No'. Writing about your achievements does not mean giving false information or lying in the application. It is also not advisable to play the bluff-master simply to avoid leaving the space blank.

Feel Good: Remember, not to write any detail that expresses something negative. It could be about your attitude or about what you think about some certain job or a person or anything that demands you to express an opinion. Your job application should be capable enough to create an aura of feel good around yourself.

No Goof-ups: once you are done completing your job application, check it all over again. The job application must be fool-proof. On being cross-questioned on any of the details provided, you must be in a position to answer confidently and not stare blankly.

And for fulfilling the above mentioned criteria successfully, the most important is to be well-prepared.

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A new way to find the job you wanted

Are you looking out for a job that you always dreamt about and wondering what to do? Here's a magic mantra for you. The mantra is Informational Interview. As the term suggests it is an interview but with a different connotation to it. Informational Interview is a means of networking with people having established careers in areas that you want to create a foothold.

Level 1: Conducting an Informational Interview

Here is simple method to go about conducting an Informational Interview. You will need to:

• Identify and make a list of companies that are operating in your area of interest.
• Find out who is who in each of these companies that you have identified.
• Try and figure out their contact information.
• Request to talk to a person working in your career field.
• Set up an interview at a time convenient to the person.
  

When you set-up the interview with somebody, it is important that you set the context right for meeting with the person. Emphasize on the fact that the goal of the interview is not acquiring a job but learning from the person about the challenges and opportunities the person foresees in the area. The meeting could trigger off a job for you if the person finds you genuinely interested or the person may give you references, at the least.

Level 2: Informational Interview: Some Other Perspectives

Informational Interview could also be a good option to explore for mid-career changes. If you have a good friend with an established career in the area you intend to pursue, it would be a good idea to have a formal informational interview with the person. This will bring out your seriousness of pursuing a career in the area of your friend at the same time the person will not be obligated to provide you a job. He will have the conviction to recommend you to others and give you good references.

Overall, Informational Interview is much more effective than any other conventional means for moving closer to your dream job as it emphasizes purely on your initiative and passion for making a breakthrough in to a career of your choice.

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Familiarity has bred contempt, and you have become complacent in your job. You are on the lookout for something more challenging and kicking.

But you do not know how to go about finding a new job. You have already sent mails, but nobody has reverted back to you. Disappointing!

Your current job is demanding and takes up most of you time. Do you resign form your job and then search for a new job?

Here are a few tips to enhance your new job search when employed.

Time Management

Time management is of utmost importance. It is very common to see people work for 8 to 10 hours and get back and hit the sack. Primarily, it is necessary for you to set a time-table, and reserve time for each activity. Why don't you wake up a little early and spend sometime exclusively for your job hunt? Research jobs on the internet, newspapers, magazines and classifieds. Email your resume to the specified.

Communication

Don't expect an immediate response from the employers. Remember, you are not the only person who has mailed them. They should be convinced that you are 'the candidate'. Frequent communication and constant follow up is a must.

Slow and steady wins the race

Take it easy. You would not reap the fruits of your job hunt overnight. It is a circuitous and tedious process and you have to deal with it patiently. Rejections can be a part of the story; but don't feel let down by this.

Must

• Approach your network of friends and relatives for prospective employers
• Keep yourself up to date with the industry scenario
• Follow-up with the company
• Fix up interviews and appointments
• Set weekly goals and abide by it
• Look for a job offering a either a higher position or higher pay or both

Never

• Use your office facilities for your job hunt
• Fix up appointments and interviews during office hours
• Hint your employer about your plans to quit your current job
• Quit the job you have, before having another job in hand
• Settle for a job that gives u a lower position or lesser pay than your current job

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One of the most important stages in the process of getting into a job of your choice is salary negotiation. At this stage of the recruitment process, employers ask for your current salary statements or salary history. The salary history you provide to a prospective employer at this stage is very critical as the information that you provide becomes a factor in determining your salary offer.

Providing salary history might be disadvantageous at times when the prospective employer offers you a salary which is higher than your current salary but not the amount that you expect, especially if you are expecting a huge raise. In such cases, you might not be in a position to negotiate much on the offer. It becomes important therefore to decide carefully and do some homework before including salary history as part of your application.

Level 1: Information Search and Negotiation

Your salary history allows your prospective employer to establish the fact that you are working for the organization you claim to be working with. It also acts as a screening device. In most cases, job seekers with salary expectations which match the internal salary ranges of an organization are considered for the job.

Exercise One: Basic Requirements

To effectively negotiate for a salary which is acceptable to both you and your prospective employer, you will need to use your network to find information on:

• The actual internal salary range for the job if possible.
• The salary offered for similar jobs in your organization.
• The salary offered for similar jobs in prospective organization.
• The similar jobs pertaining to the same industry in similar locations.
  

Exercise Two: Authentic Negotiation

There are situations where people try and fudge the numbers on their salary statements in the fear of being rejected as underpaid or for getting better salaries. This is not advisable as your credibility as a professional in the industry will suffer. Therefore, ensure that:

• You do not under quote or over quote your expected salary amount.
• You do not tamper with your existing salary statements.
• You are able to support all the claims made by you related to your salary with authentic proof.
• You are honest in justifying your salary requirements and how you have arrived at them.

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'The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. They have a world to win. Workers of the world, unite!' - Marx & Engels, Communist Manifesto

The Marxist theory is of relevance, albeit capitalism being a relative entity today. Post the era of proletariats and bourgeoisies followed the Blue Collared and White Collared job culture, which has now molded itself into Low Wage Jobs.

Statistics say that one out of every four Americans has a low wage job. The bulk of low wage employees in the United States occupy skilled and semi-skilled positions, predominantly in the service sector.

The white ladies, with limited formal high school education comprise a major chunk of those with low waged jobs. However, the minorities and the immigrants emphasize their predominance in this category.

If you have been under the impression that, those with low wages would remain so lifelong then you are highly mistaken. With a little strategy and effort, the low waged can graduate to the high waged strata.

Meet the Counselor: Counseling centers provide any kind of assistance to job-seekers. With more and more counseling centers having shot up, it is not a very expensive deal. Universities and colleges also have their own counseling departments.

Understand the Self: It is important to realize the potential in oneself. Every experience is a learning experience and you must have cultivated various skills while on jobs and during college. A self analysis thus helps in short-listing the suitable jobs.

Handpick your Employer: While shopping, everyone weighs the pros and cons of buying a product. We tend analyze what the product offers us at large. On similar lines, it is necessary to analyze the pros and cons of your employer and the various incentives offered to you. These could include insurance, loans, flexi-timing at job and other similar benefits.

Study Further: Any kind of qualification always gives you the extra edge over others while seeking a job. Although, you may be employed, do not brush off the idea of a higher education program.

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If you have decided that you want a professional to guide you through your job hunt, then a commercial employment agency is the place to go to. Now comes the tough part. Finding one to suit you needs from around 20,000 such agencies in the United States can be quite a task in itself especially in an industry which cannot be trusted too much. The terminology used is rather confusing and unless you are well prepared as to what you should expect, there is a definite chance of being lost jungle of headhunters. The following explanation is an attempt to ease this bumpy ride:

• Outplacement Organizations: They charge for private outplacement (of individuals) as well as corporate outplacements (individuals backed by the employer) for their services. The fee known as a retained fee is paid at the beginning and the firm markets the candidate.
• Employment Agencies: Their primary service is to find you an employer or if you are a prospective employer, to find you an employee. And of course charge for it, but only when they succeed. This is knows as a contingent fee.
• Contingent Search Firms: They are hired and paid by an employer to find a suitable candidate and hand him over. All the intermediate responsibilities, such as locating a candidate to fulfill requirements and interviewing him, are shouldered by them.
• Retained Search Firms: The only difference between these and the Contingent Search firms mentioned above is that these are paid as and when a progress is made, i.e. on a retained basis.
  

Once you have made your decision to allow an employment agency to handle your case, be very clear about the hidden cost monetary and otherwise. Here are some tips that you must keep in mind:

• Beware of '900' telephone numbers. As per the Federal Trade Commission rules, you will be charged either by the minute or a flat rate for your call. Reputed firms will generally make this clear to you from the beginning.
• It's a good idea to pay attention to the classifieds. If you notice an agency that's advertising on a regular basis every week you can be sure they are collecting resumes for a client.
• All that glitters is not gold. Advertisements that promise a huge pay packet topped with fat bonuses that look too good to be true are exactly those too good to be true. Don't fall for such traps since they are, more often than not, an easy way to attract clients.
• Make it clear that you want to know all the details concerning the job, such as the number of employees is the firm, the pay package etc. Don't bother asking for the name of the company because it's generally against the agency policy to reveal their clients' name.
• Firmly ask for only fee-paid jobs. This is to make sure you don't end up paying the agency for little effort they put in to find the job for you.
• Be extremely careful of signing anything in fine print. Fine print is never good news! A person qualified to understand what's on it should first peruse any contract that you are asked to sign. Make sure you've understood every single line of the contract. Once you sign it you are bound by it and there'll be no turning back.
• If the agency refuses when you ask to verify the existence of the job you were originally after, either leave or file a complaint with Consumer Protection.
• Demand a hardcopy of the job specification before you attend the interview.
• Make sure you attend only relevant interviews. Some agencies bully candidates into attending a barrage of interviews in the hope of getting their commission. Many firms have a policy not to allow a candidate to be interviewed twice in a stipulated period of time. Hence, attending an interview for which you know you are not qualified can only hamper your opportunities for the future.
• Be choosy. Don't be bullied into taking whatever you get. Such bullying only lands the agent his/her commission.
• If you experience anything unethical make it a point to complain. Such things will keep happening unless someone brings it out into the open. Bring it to the notice of your area's consumer protection agency or the like.

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Have you ever tried referring one of your friends for a job, or been referred for one by your old college professor? Seeking employment through established contacts is one of the most effective methods of job hunting. This art of alliance building, or networking, is not a process that kicks in just when you are looking for a job, but is something you do almost subconsciously within your daily routine.

You can increase your chances of finding that dream job by contacting the people you know or by joining business networking groups where you can learn about developments and potential job opportunities.

Networking Subconsciously

Networking begins long before searching for work and is not always done with the aim of using that person later on to find out about potential opportunities. Networking can be as informal as:

• chatting with people in your dance class
• doing social work with various people
• voicing your appreciation of a restaurant to the owner
• joining mailing groups
• attending conferences
• striking up conversations with people at your local place of worship
• chatting with your neighbors
  

The ways in which to network are endless. What makes this method so effective in job hunting? The logic is quite self evident. If you had to hire a nanny to take care of your child would you not be more comfortable either hiring a person who has been referred by someone you know or hire someone who you know directly? Similarly, you would prefer hiring someone who has been referred by a current employee or someone you know.

Online Networking

There are so many ways in which to network. A particularly effective way is by meeting people online. The internet offers a certain anonymity that allows people to be more forthcoming than in a face to face meeting. However, the inability to express through body language or tone in virtual correspondence makes your use of words important in giving the right impression.

The Advantages of Networking Using the Internet

• The internet is a rich source for networking with several discussion groups and public forums covering a vast range of topics.
• You can 'meet' the person and get to know them before actually meeting them in person.
• Your body language cannot be observed so your nervous twitch or inability to stop your legs from shaking cannot be seen!
• Several companies hang around these places trying to find future employees.
  

However, these very advantages can be drawbacks as well. It can be as difficult to form a real personal relationship online as it is offline. The inability to see your nervous twitch may also turn out to be a drawback if the words you use reflect your confused state of mind.

Where do I start Networking?

There are several places on the internet where you can network.

Some of these are:

• mailing lists
• chat rooms
• networking websites
• public forums

These sites are often used to discuss industry developments, trends, careers and other related areas and are a rich source of information for any job seeker. Mailing lists are also great sources and by participating in one or several you gain access to great networking opportunities.

It is also important to know who to contact. It is best to look out for people who provide complete contact details and are open about the company they work for and their designation within the organization.

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Now you are ready and prepared to go job hunting. Organize your schedule and set aside some time everyday to pursue opportunities. Do not be disappointed if you do not bag the first job for which you apply. The more your resume circulates in the market, the greater your chances of finding the right job.

• advertisements: Job search engines, newspapers and magazines all have prospective employers advertising open positions and seeking applications.
  

1. the job profile and responsibilities carefully to determine if it is correct for you.
2. changes in your resume to draw attention to the match between your skills and the employer's requirements.
3. the effort to find out the name and position of the person who will read your application.
4. the classified ad asks for specific information, be sure to provide it.
5. the employer's directions about the preferred application method.
6. a brief, personalized cover letter with each application.

• Network: Every year, a number of job openings are filled even before they can be advertised. Your friends, relatives, ex-coworkers, and neighbors may have inside information about a vacancy for the right job.

1. a list of the people in your circle who could be of help in finding the right job.
2. acquainted with people who work in your target career field.
3. it known that you are job hunting and discuss your needs and skills with the people on your list.
4. out your resume to anyone who seems interested in helping.
   

• The Upfront Approach: Contact prospective employers directly to achieve success in your job search.
  

1. Find out the name and position of the Human Resources person at your target company. Then send your resume and cover letter to them.
2. If you get inside information about the possibility of a vacancy, approach the hiring manager by phone or ask for an appointment.
3. Play up your abilities and skills. Make it clear to the employer why you think they should hire you.
4. Send a personal thank-you note to anyone who agrees to meet you or call to thank them.
5. Follow-up on the position by calling every few weeks. The next time a vacancy comes up, the manager will think of you. Persevere. Don't give up too easily. If you cannot get one job, maybe you will bag the next.

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